Can I grow this in a pot?

Yes, but it requires a very large container and consistent tropical conditions.

How long until it fruits?

Trees grown from seed typically begin fruiting in 3 to 5 years.

Plant guide

Soursop.

Annona muricata

Pronounced uh-NO-nuh myoo-ri-KAY-tuh

Also known as Brazilian pawpaw, Guanabana, Soursop, Soursop (fruit)

The soursop is a tropical evergreen tree prized for its large, spiky, heart shaped fruits. It thrives in warm, humid climates and produces creamy, tangy white flesh inside its green skin. You will find it makes a lovely ornamental specimen if you have the space for it.

Another photo of Soursop — Photo by Carlos Domínguez-Rodríguez (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Tropical fruit tree
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 20 to 30 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time: Throughout the year

Care

Keep your tree in a warm, humid spot and ensure the soil stays consistently moist but never waterlogged. Watch for yellowing leaves which often signal overwatering or poor drainage. Protect the plant from cold drafts as it is very sensitive to chilly temperatures.

Watering: Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape and encourage airflow.
Repotting: Move to a larger container once the roots begin to circle the pot.
Soil: Well draining, rich organic soil
Soil pH: 5.5 to 6.5
Temperature: 15 to 35°C
Humidity: 70 to 90%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 15 to 25 years.
Fragrance: Light
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.
Stunted growth despite regular feeding.

Safety

People: The seeds and leaves contain compounds that may be harmful if ingested in large quantities.
Pets: The seeds and leaves contain compounds that can be toxic to pets if ingested.
Children: Keep seeds away from small children as they are hard and contain toxic compounds.
Contact allergens: The sap can be irritating to sensitive skin.
Airborne allergens: Pollen may cause mild reactions in sensitive individuals.
Edibility: The seeds contain annonacin, a neurotoxin, and should never be consumed.

How to identify it

Large, dark green glossy leaves
Heart shaped fruit with soft spines
Creamy white, aromatic fruit pulp
Small, yellowish green flowers

Height: 3 to 8m
Spread: 2 to 5m
Leaves: dark green, evergreen
Flowers: yellow, green, 3 to 5cm
Fruit: green, white, Year round in tropical climates

Problems to watch for

AnthracnoseCommon
MealybugsCommon
Fruit RotUncommon
Root RotUncommon
Scale InsectsUncommon
Sooty MoldUncommon

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

Check your soursop from a photo

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Growing it

Propagation: seed, grafting
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Bring the plant indoors or into a greenhouse if temperatures drop below 10 degrees Celsius. Keep it in a bright spot and reduce watering during the cooler months.
In containers: It can grow in a large container of at least 50 liters, but it will remain smaller than in the ground.

Seed propagation

Clean seeds of all pulp.
Soak seeds in water for 24 hours.
Plant in moist, well draining soil.
Keep in a warm, humid location.
Transplant once the seedling has two sets of true leaves.

Plant in a sheltered spot away from strong winds to protect the large, heavy fruits.

Grows well with

Banana · Provides light shade and wind protection for young trees.
Papaya · Shares similar tropical moisture and nutrient requirements.

Similar species

Sugar Apple · A related species with smaller, segmented fruit.
Cherimoya · A close relative that prefers slightly cooler, higher elevation climates.

Science

Family: Annonaceae
Genus: Annona
Order: Magnoliales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Tropical regions of the Americas and the Caribbean.
Conservation: Not currently of conservation concern.

It grows as an understory tree in tropical rainforests where it relies on beetles for pollination.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: beetles
Uses: culinary fruit, juice production, ornamental shade tree

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 9/9
Moisture: 7/9
Nutrients: 6/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Can I grow this in a pot?: Yes, but it requires a very large container and consistent tropical conditions.
How long until it fruits?: Trees grown from seed typically begin fruiting in 3 to 5 years.

Where the name comes from

The name Annona comes from the Latin for yearly produce, while muricata refers to the prickly texture of the fruit skin.

Good to know

The fruit can weigh up to 5 kilograms.
It is a member of the Annonaceae family, also known as the custard apple family.
The flavor is often described as a combination of strawberry and pineapple.
It thrives in deep, rich, well drained soil.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Keep your soursop growing

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.